Today and tomorrow
February 4, 2022
Host: Margie Beaton
Guests: Abby Hanson, Abigail MacDonald, Alasdair Cameron, Hannah Krebs, Philip Whyte, Roddie MacInnis
We heard from six young Gaels based in rural and urban parts of the province who shared their perspective on gu leòr | enough or plenty as they navigate today's world. Abigail MacDonald, Abby Hanson, Philip Whyte, Roddie MacInnis, Alasdair Cameron and Hannah Krebs were all immersed in, or attracted to, Gaelic language and culture at a young age and have taken every opportunity to continue learning in their family, community, and schools. We listened to their stories, what they want more of, and their wildest dreams.
What we heard
Our guests said they felt lucky to have opportunities to learn and experience Gaelic language and culture, whether it was in their homes or in programs such as Na Gaisgich Òga (The Young Heroes) organized by Colaside na Gàidhlig (Gaelic College). They described a sense of community and fun and said they wished there could be many more learning opportunities across the province so that more people could access Gaelic language, history and culture.
When thinking of moments that were examples of “enough,” Philip Whyte said "Geez, well, take your pick, you know. When it comes to Gaelic, there are so many happy moments when I’ve felt part of a community." Others shared moments when the language started to come without translating, of texting a parent in Gaelic, visiting, singing songs and dancing.
Roddie remembers the group singing The Blue Mountains at the end of the Na Gaisgich Òga program. "It felt so harmonious. It felt like we were our own little community and it felt like we were strengthening the Gaelic language. It just felt beautiful."
Hannah Krebs was the only one in the group born outside of Nova Scotia. She came to StFX from Ontario to study biology, and fell down the "Gaelic rabbit hole." Now living in Christmas Island, Cape Breton, she teaches Gaelic and works at Nova Scotia Highland Village. "I got to know so many people because of Gaelic culture, and I really feel part of the community here because of that," she said.
The other side of gu leòr is that sometimes there isn’t enough. Some wished for more opportunities to learn and experience Gaelic closer to home, as well as opportunities to learn with their own age group. They agreed that longer immersion sessions would help them attain fluency faster, and they wanted to see more Gaelic in schools throughout the province. They said this would go a long way to cultivate the people needed to learn, teach, and form the basis of community. Other suggestions included professional development and training for teachers, lots of affordable opportunities for inclusion at any level of interest, Gaelic in the media, and opportunities to learn about the Gaels' history. It was noted that one-third of Nova Scotians are likely of Scottish Gaelic background, many without realizing it.
A Gaelic world of “plenty” would be one where Gaelic is integrated into their whole life— family, home, community, work and school.
What struck, moved or surprised you in what you heard?
Themes and quotes from our small group conversations (read all the comments here)
I am really impressed with the commitment and the joy that the young speakers demonstrated.
Is math gu bheil uiread de dhaoine oga ann an Alba Nuadh a tha ag ionnsachadh na Ghàihlig, agus ga toirt do dhaoine eile san sgire. Gun lean an saoghal an deagh eiseimpleir aca! (It is great the interest young folks in Nova Scotia have in learning Gaelic, and passing it on to others in the area. May the world follow their good example.)
Dreams of Gaelic being a language of daily life. Using Gaelic with casual encounters on the streets — in Mabou, in Sydney, in Toronto!
I heard the importance of laughter
Building Up Gaelic communities from small numbers of people. There are 10 steps involved.
It’s so refreshing to hear young Gaels speaking for themselves.
A thought on the intergenerational stuff – it is absolutely vital to our language and culture and I’m so thankful for all the connections I have with folks older than myself. I’m also often one of the only ones my age at community events etc. and that can be frustrating/disheartening at times.
None of this exists without people, people are where it lives. All the different elements are like puzzle pieces, everything is connected and the more things you can put together the more beautiful the picture becomes.
The pure happiness and enjoyment that so often comes when we can come together around Gaelic culture.
Thank you to your six inspiring guests. They all spoke with such integrity.
Need for more programming outside Cape Breton
A wonderful natural respect between generations